What Kind of Training does it take to “Stop the Bleed”?﻿

Studies show that help given by first responders can often make the difference between life and death. In the event of a tragedy, trained bystanders can provide a vital initial response to stop uncontrollable bleeding before medical professionals arrive at the scene. In October of 2015, the White House launched the Stop the Bleed national awareness campaign and call to action. This grassroots effort encourages civilians to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency.

The American College of Surgeons has estimated that it has helped train more 600,000 people in bleeding control. Firehouses, community centers, hospitals, and schools are among some of the places where training courses are offered.

Stop the Bleed training will teach the following skills:

Determining if an area is safe to provide assistance to a victim

Identifying tools to assist you such as first-aid and bleeding control kits or everyday items that can be used to control the flow of blood

Applying direct pressure at the site of the wound using your hands

Packing cloth or gauze to deep wounds to control bleeding

Applying a tourniquet to an injured limb in order to stop bleeding

Keeping victims calm until medical professionals arrive

The number one cause of preventable death from trauma is uncontrolled bleeding. Trauma may result from accidents or intentional harm and can occur in a wide variety of locations such as your home or workplace. The more people who have first aid training and are knowledgeable about the use of bleeding control kits, the more chances an injured victim will survive that injury.

Stop the Bleed training is becoming increasingly encouraged. Courses can be found online or you are urged to reach out to your local Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services agency or the community outreach department at your local hospital.

David co-founded LifeSecure in 2005, just a few months before Hurricane Katrina taught everyone that one can go hungry and thirsty in America and even die before help arrives. For over a decade David has focused on developing and discovering superior emergency and disaster survival solutions - kits and supplies. He has trained community groups in emergency preparedness, helped non-profit organizations prepare emergency kits for needy individuals, conducted community emergency response exercises, and developed emergency plans for non-profit organizations. David makes an ongoing study of how best to prepare for and respond to various natural and man-made disasters, and his mission has been to help others “live Life SECURE” every day by preparing for what may come someday.